Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal)
Shrimp orzo is almost like risotto but so much easier and quicker to make! This Italian-style dinner takes only 30 minutes and is made in one pan. Seared garlic shrimp and orzo are a perfect combo for a simple weeknight meal.
Servings 4 people
Calories 690kcal
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb raw shrimp large, peeled, and deveined - 16 or 20 count per 1 pound of shrimp
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Orzo and sauce ingredients
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup orzo uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 14 oz artichoke hearts drained and chopped (1 can or about 1 cup)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper
Instructions
How to sear the shrimp
- This recipe uses 1 lb of large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) which usually means 16 or 20 count. Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium-high heat in a large skillet until hot. Add shrimp and minced garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes per side.
- Make sure the shrimp are not overcrowded to avoid steaming. You might have to work in batches. Remove shrimp to a plate.
How to cook orzo
- To the same, now empty, skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup of uncooked orzo, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the orzo on medium heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes until browned.
- Add 2 cups of chicken stock and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer (medium-low) and cook for about 5 or 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan, until the orzo is cooked through.
- Add spinach, artichokes, and cream. Stir everything on low-medium heat until the spinach wilts.
- Add seared shrimp to the skillet with the cream sauce. Simmer for about 2 minutes (or more), until everything is warmed through.
- Season with salt and pepper and more smoked paprika, if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 253mg | Sodium: 1026mg | Potassium: 1070mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 4860IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 4mg